I thought this was going to be a cuddly, feel-good book, but it was actually pretty intense--in a good way. I was completely engrossed in the town and the behavior of its characters. The book goes out of its way to point out the misogyny that is an integral part of many boys' sports and the consequences of that. It is not for the faint of heart. This book is an emotional roller-coaster. I thought it was excellent.